FSU suspends all Greek life after pledge’s death

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TALLAHASSEE, FL- NOVEMBER 20: Florida State University President John Thrasher speaks during the Gathering of Unity candlelight vigil on campus after the shooting of three FSU students earlier in the day on November 20, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida. About 3,000 students attended the vigil according to FSU Police Chief David Perry. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)

University President John Thrasher announced an indefinite suspension Monday afternoon through a statement posted to the school’s website. Thrasher also announced an alcohol ban at all student organization functions.

“I want to send a serious message, I really do,” Thrasher said, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. “We’ve got a serious problem.”

Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi, died after attending an off-campus house party Friday. Authorities have not determined what caused his death, but police said alcohol may have been a factor.

In its statement, the university also noted an arrest Monday in an unrelated case of a fraternity member who has been charged with the sale and trafficking of cocaine.

Thrasher said members of sororities and fraternities will be allowed to remain in chapter houses during the suspension, which won’t end until determined by the student community, according to the statement.

Florida State is at least the third university this year to suspend all Greek life, according to The Associated Press. It joins Penn State and Louisiana State, where fraternity members face hazing charges after alcohol-fueled deaths at those schools.